Detective Inspector Duncan Gouck said: “Palin, Metcalfe and Hamlett had no regard for the victim, his family or the local community when they committed their act of violence.

“The gang thought they were above the law, and I want the community of Crewe to take comfort in the fact that these criminals are now behind bars.

“I hope that the sentence handed to the men by the judge shows that nobody is above the law, violent crime will not be tolerated in Crewe, and anyone caught taking the law into their own hands will be made to face the consequences of their actions.

“Information from the public is vital in bringing criminals to justice and I want to reassure the public that if you provide information, we will act on it.”